2 minutes ago, nutbean said:

I think it is purely a numbers game. There are only so many places on an AFL list. If you are selecting midfielders and there is a contested beast at a 187cm available that is considered equal in  talent to a 171 cm alternative I know who recruiters will be picking.

However as always - if you are talented then you are talented and should get picked before players of lesser talent - example Caleb Daniels and hopefully Spargo.

If his role is small forward, then there may be advantages / lack of disadvantages to his shorter stature.  It seems a bit ridiculous to have a ‘tall small forward’, doesn’t it?

2 minutes ago, buck_nekkid said:

If his role is small forward, then there may be advantages / lack of disadvantages to his shorter stature.  It seems a bit ridiculous to have a ‘tall small forward’, doesn’t it?

He might just get a growth spurt, it has always been the case for shorter players to make it at the highest level.

13 minutes ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

I'm sure for every person who claims that players are being recruited more for their athletic ability than their football ability there's another person claiming the exact opposite.

it's not a black and white issue, ldvc. it's just a trend

personally i hope footy smarts trumps athleticism in the longer term, but many recruiters place big emphasis on athletic type stats and then developing them to become role type players, rather than looking for talented footballers with creativity and great instincts, then developing their athleticism. lot of coaches don't like creativity and instinctual play, it's all about strict structures and game plan. 

of course though, you can't beat someone with footy smarts + great athleticism in the same package 

2 minutes ago, daisycutter said:

it's not a black and white issue, ldvc. it's just a trend

personally i hope footy smarts trumps athleticism in the longer term, but many recruiters place big emphasis on athletic type stats and then developing them to become role type players, rather than looking for talented footballers with creativity and great instincts, then developing their athleticism. lot of coaches don't like creativity and instinctual play, it's all about strict structures and game plan. 

of course though, you can't beat someone with footy smarts + great athleticism in the same package 

You have my vote dc.

When I was at training not long after the new recruits arrived, I watched Spargo and Petty doing kick to kick.  They are different players for different roles, but what stood out for me was the ability of Spargo to hit Petty time and time again on the chest.  But not just that, he was doing it both left and right foot. 

If he is to play mid-field, then the ability to deliver accurately by foot is essential, and it gives the player options on how he does it when they are fluent on either foot ( ala Sam Mitchell).  At pick 29 a genuine footballer who can kick is a very viable option.  We now have to see how he develops.

6 minutes ago, george_on_the_outer said:

When I was at training not long after the new recruits arrived, I watched Spargo and Petty doing kick to kick.  They are different players for different roles, but what stood out for me was the ability of Spargo to hit Petty time and time again on the chest.  But not just that, he was doing it both left and right foot. 

If he is to play mid-field, then the ability to deliver accurately by foot is essential, and it gives the player options on how he does it when they are fluent on either foot ( ala Sam Mitchell).  At pick 29 a genuine footballer who can kick is a very viable option.  We now have to see how he develops.

Sounds impressive george. Look forward to seeing him.

48 minutes ago, buck_nekkid said:

If his role is small forward, then there may be advantages / lack of disadvantages to his shorter stature.  It seems a bit ridiculous to have a ‘tall small forward’, doesn’t it?

I would say Buddy plays as a 'small tall forward'.

A little about training and current injuries:

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-01-19/tracks-back-key-dee-is-sore-no-more

 

 

15 hours ago, Soidee said:

I’m just waiting to see the first couple of games to see how our guys handle the enivitable sledging as result of their decision to cancel the camp!   They have invited all other teams to give it to them on this issue.  I still cannnot believe this was made public.  What a bunch of dimwits to bring this upon themselves.

Believe as we speak Harry Taylor is getting a pair of shorts designed with a special pocket to carry an old army boot in for a whole game, to enable him to present it to the MFC player he thinks most deserving at the end of the game

15 hours ago, Soidee said:

I’m just waiting to see the first couple of games to see how our guys handle the enivitable sledging as result of their decision to cancel the camp!   They have invited all other teams to give it to them on this issue.  I still cannnot believe this was made public.  What a bunch of dimwits to bring this upon themselves.

No biggie. On the list of sledging topics, I put this one at about no 5 behind:

• not making finals last year

• not making finals for over a decade

• player misadventures in Bali

• trading away Jack Watts after he kicks a bag in R1

52 minutes ago, Roger Mellie said:

A little about training and current injuries:

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-01-19/tracks-back-key-dee-is-sore-no-more

 

 

Good report. Nice and succinct yet covers a fair bit. i could learn a thing or two from it. Loved this:

Oliver, who averaged 29.95 disposals per game in 2017, appears to have trimmed down yet again and his efforts to work into the space created by teammates appears to have improved signifcantly.

2 hours ago, george_on_the_outer said:

When I was at training not long after the new recruits arrived, I watched Spargo and Petty doing kick to kick.  They are different players for different roles, but what stood out for me was the ability of Spargo to hit Petty time and time again on the chest.  But not just that, he was doing it both left and right foot. 

If he is to play mid-field, then the ability to deliver accurately by foot is essential, and it gives the player options on how he does it when they are fluent on either foot ( ala Sam Mitchell).  At pick 29 a genuine footballer who can kick is a very viable option.  We now have to see how he develops.

That's all well and good, but we have had plenty of players in the past who have looked like stars on the track (Strauss, Maric, etc), but who turned to water on game day.

It is the ability to find the football in the heat of an AFL game, and then use it effectively, that sets the best apart from the rest.

As others have said, at 170cm a player needs to be very good at most things and elite at the rest. Just being a decent kick is not going to cut it (see Maric again).

2 minutes ago, poita said:

That's all well and good, but we have had plenty of players in the past who have looked like stars on the track (Strauss, Maric, etc), but who turned to water on game day.

It is the ability to find the football in the heat of an AFL game, and then use it effectively, that sets the best apart from the rest.

As others have said, at 170cm a player needs to be very good at most things and elite at the rest. Just being a decent kick is not going to cut it (see Maric again).

This is a 'negative for negative's sake' sort of post.

George didn't say he was going to be a superstar.  He simple passed on his opinion from training that he was impressed with Spargo's ability to kick off both feet and that, in the future, this could make him a viable option in the midfield and we need to see how he develops.  There's nothing over the top about that, nor did he say he looked like a star.  

Some people on here can't see anything in a positive light anymore.  It's such a shame.

 

7 minutes ago, poita said:

That's all well and good, but we have had plenty of players in the past who have looked like stars on the track (Strauss, Maric, etc), but who turned to water on game day.

It is the ability to find the football in the heat of an AFL game, and then use it effectively, that sets the best apart from the rest.

As others have said, at 170cm a player needs to be very good at most things and elite at the rest. Just being a decent kick is not going to cut it (see Maric again).

Go read my post on the Charlie Spargo thread.. He is light years ahead of the Bleases, Maric's and Strauss types.

Dropped into training for a quick 20 minutes, my observations:
– Piping hot in the sun but it looked like the players were well looked after with refuge in the shade at fairly regular intervals
– Clarry with a full face of Zinc cream
– I was really impressed with the clinical skills on show – most kicks hitting their target with players kicking very quickly after receiving the ball and kicking to players leading all over the place, both towards the kicker and away into space and with the opposition player on most occasions given no chance to intercept. The quality of our skills are miles and miles ahead of where we were a few years ago.
– Very impressed by Petty. For a tall defender he moves really quickly, has some hustle and bustle about him and reads the ball well. Looked really intent and his skills were looking good.
– Thought Tyson looked to be a step quicker than the last two years. Might have just been wishful thinking on my behalf but if he finally is completely niggle free then I think he’s set for a big year.
– Jones and Garlett doing sprints and looking fresh – same with Tim Smith albeit at a different pace.
– Overall I came away thinking that the list is in a very very good place, particularly with the inclusion of the quicker skinnier types such as Fritsch and Baker (as well as Hannan) who add the balance we need to mix with our core group of stronger burst and endurance players.

So, I hear ANB is tearing it up (via the AFL website) - great for him and his endurance.  What about Billy Stretch - where is he at, and maybe its a question with no real answer - can he make an impression and imbed himself in the team? 

Good report @DemonWheels. Much appreciated.

Re Tyson, I think he's one of these players that does best with a solid, uninterrupted preseason. Some guys can still have a strong year despite setbacks in preseason, eg Jones and maybe Viney. I'm not convinced Dom can. 

He's a cracking player to watch when fit and firing. Looking forward to seeing him R1 after a big preseason 

Turned up today. Always go to one or two sessions. Definitely about skills ATM.  Intensity will come later in pre season.

Disposal in general was the best I have seen from a D's team in preseason. In the past players built endurance and fitness during drills chasing mongrel kicks and handpasses all around the park!! It used to be ordinary at best. Those who play or have played lower level footy will know what I mean. Now its all about getting it right - disposal and decision making - all the time.

O Mc and Hannan have built up a bit. In general the players close up are way bigger than they look at games, TV or pics. Oliver would be an exception but he is naturally powerful and does not need to carry gym muscle.

The usual in rehab. Did not see Weid. Trac over his issues and trained well. Was very vocal and confident during drills.

Players called into line groups at one stage. In these groups players would give feedback to the group. Feedback I heard was all positive. As you can image big Max was not short of a word. Trac also chimed in as did most.

40 minutes ago, Moonshadow said:

Good report @DemonWheels. Much appreciated.

Re Tyson, I think he's one of these players that does best with a solid, uninterrupted preseason. Some guys can still have a strong year despite setbacks in preseason, eg Jones and maybe Viney. I'm not convinced Dom can. 

He's a cracking player to watch when fit and firing. Looking forward to seeing him R1 after a big preseason 

Totally agree, MS, and this might sound funny but think Tyson will be able to lock down his  position better if he gets a full preseaon in. He's a perfect in-between inside mid/distributor  but sometimes seemed to get caught in 2 minds as to what he was and when in games. He's both but working with Oliver, Viney, Jones, etc. over a lot of time will hopefully give him the confidence as to what he needs to be doing at any point in the game.

I suspect the sudden emergence of Oliver last year as a first rung in and under forced other mids to have to adjust their role in the mix..? 

1 hour ago, Moonshadow said:

Good report @DemonWheels. Much appreciated.

Re Tyson, I think he's one of these players that does best with a solid, uninterrupted preseason. Some guys can still have a strong year despite setbacks in preseason, eg Jones and maybe Viney. I'm not convinced Dom can. 

He's a cracking player to watch when fit and firing. Looking forward to seeing him R1 after a big preseason 

A good point Moonster. Some players really struggle if their preseason is interrupted, perhaps those that are not thhe most atheletically gifted? =  a category i put Tyson in. 

.

3 hours ago, Wiseblood said:

This is a 'negative for negative's sake' sort of post.

George didn't say he was going to be a superstar.  He simple passed on his opinion from training that he was impressed with Spargo's ability to kick off both feet and that, in the future, this could make him a viable option in the midfield and we need to see how he develops.  There's nothing over the top about that, nor did he say he looked like a star.  

Some people on here can't see anything in a positive light anymore.  It's such a shame.

 

Thanks Wise, I spent many years over at "ology" and then unfortunately Tim got ill and probs with the site meant the more astute as opposed to emotional posters had to migrate to "land" over time I hoped the influx of reasoned posters might counter the other kind. Unfortunately that has not been the case.

On Tyson, reported before Xmas, finally got the knee issues sorted

Stretch is Stretch does every drill, works hard, never stands out, we have a couple of those in Melsham and Kielty as well

11 hours ago, george_on_the_outer said:

When I was at training not long after the new recruits arrived, I watched Spargo and Petty doing kick to kick.  They are different players for different roles, but what stood out for me was the ability of Spargo to hit Petty time and time again on the chest.  But not just that, he was doing it both left and right foot. 

If he is to play mid-field, then the ability to deliver accurately by foot is essential, and it gives the player options on how he does it when they are fluent on either foot ( ala Sam Mitchell).  At pick 29 a genuine footballer who can kick is a very viable option.  We now have to see how he develops.

I have a mate who always gets good mail from North. They were pretty gutted to miss out on him as he was a father/son candidate and rated him pretty highly,  they were set to use their next draft pick on him and we're gambling on him sliding.